Newport 2011

Local attractions and events

Things to do in and around Newport, South Wales during Summer 2011. Kids treats, days out, wet weather activities (for children and adults), classy shopping places to visit - the sorts of things that add that extra dimension to your visit.

• Barefoot Ceramics pottery painting
• Riverfront Arts Centre
• Newport Museum & Art Gallery
• Newport Wetlands

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Current Events in and around South Wales, UK

• These what's-on links are provided without warranty and rely on information from various sources. We can not guarantee the information is correct so you should ring ahead before making plans.
• The Woolly Tale

  The Woolly Tale is available at all times. A fun and educational trail for families helping you to discover the process from Fleece to Fabric.

• Julia Griffiths Jones

  Come and see the work of Julia and follow the Family Trail linked to her work. Julia Griffiths Jones has been the National Wool Museum’s artist in-residence since 2007 and has drawn on our collection as a source of inspiration. Her work is concerned with the translation of textile techniques such as stitching, quilting, patchwork, embroidery, into a wire and metal form. She is inspired and influenced by textile work created by women alongside their domestic duties as much as for need for warmth. This interest began when she was a student at the Royal College of Art. To view her work and find out more about Julia please visit her website. Julia has created five new pieces of work specifically for the Museum, which are being exhibited until 2010. Her work complements the Museum greatly as it combines elements of the historic and contemporary whilst also responding to the museum in a very personal way. The work has provided an opportunity to develop a new trail that enables visitors to respond creatively to the collection. The trail is suitable for individuals and for schools and offers a contemporary twist to the Museum’s collection. Each piece of work has different activities linked with it, allowing pupils to respond to the Museum, its collections and Julia’s work in a creative and personal way. The trail can be used as a whole or as individual elements. You can follow the trail in the Museum, with optional preparatory work and follow up activities in school. Items including a cup and saucer have been developed featuring Julia’s work and can be bought at the National Wool Museum’s shop or our online shop.

• Mid Teifi Arts Rugmakers

  The Mid Teifi Arts Rugmakers meet fortnightly, on Saturdays, to demonstrate their skills at the National Wool Museum. Please contact Bette Collins 01239 711733 to check dates

• The Knitting Club

  The knitting club meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, please contact the museum to check dates. All are welcom to join the National Wool Museum's knitting group. Why not join in, learn how to knit, share your patterns and have a chat in the Museum's cafe.

• Spinners, Weavers and Dyers

  The Spinners, Weavers and Dyers meet at the Museum on Wednesdays, fortnightly, to chat as they spin, all are welcome to join, bring your own material. Please ring to check dates.

• Village Trail

  The Village Trail is available at all times. Follow a self guided walk around the village of Drefach Felindre highlighting historical and interesting facts about the woollen industry in the locality. There are two routes available one which takes around three quarters of an hour to complete and one which takes around an hour and a half to complete. The growth of the woollen industry in Dre-fach Felindre and the surrounding area had a huge impact on our landscape and the people who lived here. The period from the late 1800’s until the early 1900’s is known as the golden era of the industry. Increased work opportunities attracted many other people to the village, and as a result Dre-fach Felindre grew. For more information please contact the National Wool Museum.

• Guided Tours Around the Museum

  Enrich your visit to the National Wool Museum by following a guided tour by our experienced craftspeople. Please contact the Museum for availability.

• Tessera Hospitalis

  The Tessera Hospitalis is an ancient symbol of friendship and long distance ties. From archaeology and the ancient comedy of Plautus, Poenulus, we know that some 3000 years ago friends exchanged such objects stretching their bonds to each other over hundreds of miles and generations. In a world of the ancient Mediterranean, where people were often on the move, hospitality was key. This sculpture has been inspired by the ancient Tessera Hospitalis, a small unique token made of ivory, metal or clay, which could be in any shape - a lion, boar, ram, gheko or an abstract symbol. It was made in two parts, each friend holding on to a half as a promise and as a marker of identity to be presented next time they, or their children, reunited. This modern sculpture is an interpretation of the ancient Tessera and what it represents. It is not static but mobile, as it is only one half of the whole. Each shape has been uniquely created by a pupil from one of the nine Swansea schools, that took part in the project Future Memory in Place: Cila, Cwm Glas, Cwmrhydyceirw, Dylan Thomas, Hendrefoilan, Morriston, Parkland, Sea View and St Helens, as well as other members of the Swansea community. Each of them is the guardian of their Tessera which links them to this monument and the moment of its creation. What will be the stories of the Tesserae of this sculpture - only those who made them and hold the other half will know - as they extend their ties to each other and the ancientport of Swansea into the future and across the globe. Visit http://projects.beyondtext.ac.uk/deplacingfuturememory-fo/index.php for more details about the project and the main funders - Arts and Humanities Research Council and the underpinning research at the University of Exeter Classics and Ancient History Department.

• Guided tour: Highlights of Art

  A tour of some of our art galleries with a Volunteer Guide.  Tuesdays - Highlights of Art: Contemporary Art Galleries Wednesdays - Highlights of Art: Historic Art Galleries Thursdays - Highlights of Art: Impressionist and Modern Art Galleries Fridays - Highlights of Art: Contemporary Art Galleries Saturdays - Highlights of Art: Historic Art Galleries Sundays - Highlights of Art: Impressionist and Modern Art Galleries

• Guided tours: Origins — in search of early Wales

  The Archaeology gallery Origins: In Search of Early Wales traces life in Wales from the earliest humans 230,000 years ago. Who were our ancestors, and how different were they from us? What has changed and what has caused these changes? Visit the gallery and follow the arrival of the first hominins (humans) in the Old Stone Age to the end of the Middle Ages. Visit the Group and BSL tours available, call (029) 2057 3325

• Visitor Attractions

• University of Wales Newport: Photographic Art Year 2 Exhibition - 17/05/2012

  This exhibition from the University of Wales, Newport focuses on the concepts of control, power, surveillance and voyeurism that are inherent within the photographic medium. Students have been making photographic works that critique and challenge the role of the photograph in the cultural and political landscape.

• Ieuan The Lion Memorial Fund Presents - 19/05/2012

  Ieuan The Lion Memorial Fund Presents Guns 2 Roses Metallica Reloaded Baby Gaga Blind Ambition Tickets :- £6.00 in advance £7.00 on the door Tickets can be purchased from Wayne :- 07584133198 Diverse Music, Charles Street Kriminal Records, Newport Market or via - http://www.ieuanthelion.com/#/events-page/4531297202

• Newport Children's Charity Live Event - 19/05/2012

  Guns 2 Roses, Metallica Reloaded, Kitty Lipps, Baby GaGa and Blind Ambition will play with proceeds to the Ieuan The Lion Memorial Fund. The charity aims to support children/young people and their families from Newport, disadvantaged by disability and life-threatening illnesses. For more information visit the website below. Tickets £6.00 in advance, £7.00 on the door.

• Tredegar House Folk Festival - 18/05/2012

  Join the 23rd annual Tredegar House Folk Festival for a weekend of music, dance and fun! See the website below for full details including times and ticket prices.

• Carnage (15) - 21/05/2012

  In Brooklyn Bridge Park, eleven year old Zachary Cowan strikes his eleven year old classmate Ethan Longstreet across the face with a stick after an argument. Among the more serious of Ethan's injuries is a permanently missing tooth and the possibility of a second tooth also being lost. Their respective parents learn of the altercation through Ethan's parents questioning him about his injuries. The Longstreet parents invite the Cowan parents to their Brooklyn apartment to deal with the incident in a civilized manner. The work of a master, this wickedly funny film is beautifully orchestrated and controlled. Each edit exploits the dramatic space between the characters and dictates the film's emotional rhythms but gives the actors freedom to perform within the limits of the director's vision. Director: Roman Polankski Starring: Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet UK, 2011, 1 hour 20 minutes Why not take advantage of the cinema meal deal for £12.50? This includes - a main meal (vegetarian options available) - a drink (glass of wine, bottle of lager or soft drink) - the film ticket The menu for Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 May (Carnage) is: Wye Valley Burger served with bacon, cheddar, tomato, relish and coleslaw. Vegetarian option available. Please pre-book the cinema meal one working day in advance.

• University of Wales Newport: Photography for Fashion and Advertising Exhibition - 23/05/2012

  The exhibited works are the creative responses to briefs set by national and international brands and corporations as part of the BA (Hons) Photography for Fashion and Advertising Year Two live brief module at the University of Wales, Newport. www.newport.ac.uk

• University of Wales Newport: Fashion Show 2012 - 23/05/2012

  There's always something provocative and breathtaking when the talented fashion designers of tomorrow take to the catwalk to show off their latest designs. Showcasing the emerging talented designers from the University of Wales, Newport Fashion Design programme, this show will feature collections that integrate fashion, art and culture through original design and individual expression. www.newport.ac.uk

• Plant Sale - 24/05/2012

  Newport City Council offers for sale a limited selection of surplus bedding plants suitable for hanging baskets, tubs, pots and also some shrubs and perennials. All plants are grown at the Belle Vue Park nursery. Saturday 19th May At Maesglas household waste recycling centre, 10.30am - 3pm Thursday 24th and Friday 25th May At the Information Station, Queensway between 11.30am - 2pm Thursday 31st May and Friday 1st June At the Civic Centre between 11.30am - 2pm

• The Games - 25/05/2012

  An 'undiscovered' Aristophanes comedy - the story of three Greek nobodies caught up in a celestial bet between Zeus, Hera and Hercules. Our unwitting heroes: Stanzas (a terrible poet), Darius (the runt of the litter) and Hermaphrodite (born a girl) travel to compete in the ancient Olympics and take on the heroes of the sporting world with epic results for mankind and realistic willies. Learn the prophesy of the Oracle! Amaze at the powers bestowed from the Gods! Understand the nature of human endurance! Goggle at the sights in the gymnasium! Have a journey of Olympic fun! The Games incorporates clown, original music, song and shadow puppetry and is co-directed by Mark Smith (Spike) with Toby Park (Spymonkey). Original music composed by Toby Park. Spike has been touring comedy theatre across the UK and Europe since 1997. The Games is the company's 12th touring show. Spike Theatre are able to offer workshops to schools and groups of young people over the age of 12 years. For further information please contact Adrian Turrell-Watts on 0151 7273575 or mail@spiketheatre.com www.thegames-spiketheatre.com

• Jubilee Summer Fayre - 26/05/2012

  Sale of plants, toys, clothes rail, raffle, DVD's, bricabrac, soft toys, commemorative fridge magnets. Refreshments available. Table tops available £5.00 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• As You Like It - 27/05/2012

  Take time out to see Shakespeare's romantic and light-hearted comedy from the Rain or Shine Theatre Company. Witness the ingredients of Shakespearian fare - a court in turmoil and a forest at peace, a banished Duke and his villainous twin, a cross-dressing heroine and her gooseberry friend, an honest man and his wicked brother, a jester, a philosopher, wenches and shepherds, a wrestling match with a twist and songs a plenty! You are invited to bring your own low-backed seating or rug. The company will perform whatever the weather, so come prepared - just in case! There will be a hog roast after the performance so come along, sit back, relax and enjoy the show! Opens at 3.30pm, the performance starts at 4.30pm. Tickets £15 from Caerleon TIC or from Rafi at the Ffwrwm Craft Centre

• Newport Shared Reading Group - 20/03/2012

  Come and enjoy Newport's first Shared Reading Group, inspired by The Reader Organisation and their 'Reading Revolution'. The Groups meets on Tuesday evenings to read a short story or an extract from a novel and a poem and then share thoughts over a drink. Something new is read each week so it doesn't matter if you can't come every Tuesday and of course there is always the blog to let you know what you missed! 7pm - 8.30pm For more information visit the blog below.

• Jack Dee - sold out! - 29/05/2012

  **WORK IN PROGRESS** Catch Jack Dee, the grumpy old man of comedy, at The Riverfront as he road-tests brand new material ahead of his yet to be announced 2012 tour. After six years out of the stand-up spotlight, Jack Dee is back, agonizing over the slightest annoyances and misdemeanours and trying out fresh material with a series of 'Work in Progress' gigs! THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT! Why not see Lee Nelson or the headliners for Comedy Port: Al Murray, Bridget Christie or Tim Key?

• Hunky Dory (15) - 28/05/2012

  In the heat of the summer of 1976, keen drama teacher Vivienne fights sweltering heat and general teenage apathy to put on an end of year musical version of Shakespeare's The Tempest. To engage her students, she uses hits of the time, which will be performed by a fresh young cast led by rising star Aneurin Barnard. Along the way, the emotional temperature rises to match the sweltering heat outdoors: kids fall in and out of love (and wonder if they might be gay). There are ideas pinched from Glee, backdated to the era of Fame and yet, in its goofy way, Hunky Dory is extremely likable. Robert Pugh is fantastic as the gruff headmaster, drafted in to play Prospero. Director: Marc Evans Starring: Minnie Driver, Aneurin Barnard and Danielle Branch UK, 2012, 1 hour 50 minutes Why not take advantage of the cinema meal deal for £12.50? This includes - a main meal (vegetarian options available) - a drink (glass of wine, bottle of lager or soft drink) - the film ticket The menu for Monday 28, Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 May is: Savoury Brie and Tomato tart served with mixed salad. Please pre-book your cinema meal deal one working day in advance.

• On The Edge - 12/04/2012

  Thursday 31 May: Down Town Paradise by Mark Jenkins Inspirational young lawyer, Rachel, is determined to fight oppression but will the world inside California's Santanero prison be more than a match for her firebrand determination? Mark Jenkins' stage play, Playing Burton, now in its twentieth year of performances internationally, is to be translated into German, for touring throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland over the next five years, beginning in 2012. The filmed adaptation of the show, shot on location by Spinning Head Films of Cardiff, starring Josh Richards and directed by Wyndham Price, is poised to hit the big screens some time in 2012.

• Plant Sale - 31/05/2012

  Newport City Council offers for sale a limited selection of surplus bedding plants suitable for hanging baskets, tubs, pots and also some shrubs and perennials. All plants are grown at the Belle Vue Park nursery. Saturday 19th May At Maesglas household waste recycling centre, 10.30am - 3pm Thursday 24th and Friday 25th May At the Information Station, Queensway between 11.30am - 2pm Thursday 31st May and Friday 1st June At the Civic Centre between 11.30am - 2pm

• Art Exhibition - 05/05/2012

  For one month, by local artists, The Eastside Art Group. For more information, contact the Centre Free entry

• Sounds Fun: music group for toddlers and babies - 18/05/2012

  A Friday music group for babies/pre-school children with their parents/carers to enjoy music through song, instruments and dance. Coffee, chat and company for all, just turn up! 10.30am - 11.30am, £3.00 per family group. Fridays, term time only.

• The Newport Medieval Ship: A Decade of Discovery - 01/06/2012

  Join us for an evening to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the discovery of the Newport Medieval Ship. We will take you on a journey from the initial excavation through to our present day discoveries with speakers including the Friends of the Newport Ship and local historian Bob Trett. We will also be joined by the National Poet of Wales Gillian Clarke who will debut her poem marking the anniversary.

• Half Term : Newport schools closed

  When: Mon 26 May 2008 to Fri 30 May 2008 
  
  Where: Newport City, South Wales, UK
  Event Status: confirmed
  Event Description: Newport schools closed

• Summer: Newport School Holidays

  When: Mon 21 Jul 2008 to Fri 29 Aug 2008 
  
  Where: Newport, UK
  Event Status: confirmed
  Event Description: Newport schools closed

• Easter Holidays : Newport schools

  When: Mon 6 Apr 2009 to Fri 17 Apr 2009 
  
  Where: Newport, UK
  Event Status: confirmed
  Event Description: Newport schools closed

• More walks in south east Wales

• Valleys promoting heritage trail

  A heritage trail has been launched to promote historic locations in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

• Things to do in South East Wales

  From arts and crafts to music, drama, outdoor activities and more.

• Doctor Who Up Close in the bay

  A exhibition celebrating the BBC's cult sci-fi TV series can be visited in Cardiff Bay.

• Cardiff Ice Skating Club

  Title: Cardiff Ice Skating Club
  Venue: Cardiff Ice Arena / Cardiff
  Category: Sports
  Date: Sun (05.06.2011) - Sun (20.05.2012)
  Time: 08.00 h - 09.00 h
  Description: CISC is a family orientated club and welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities.
  
  The Club meets every Sunday from 8am – 9am, at the Cardiff Ice Arena Cardiff Bay. The cost for the session is £5 (membership fee payable after 3 sessions).
  
  Currently, there is no membership waiting list.
  For more information – please contact cardifficeskatingclub@tesco.net

• Cardiff Dance Academy Dance Classes

  Title: Cardiff Dance Academy Dance Classes
  Venue: The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama / Cardiff
  Category: Workshop Events
  Date: Mon (23.05.2011) - Tue (22.05.2012)
  Time: 19.00 h - 21.00 h
  Description: Cardiff Dance Academy Street Dance Classes every Monday 7pm to 9pm with workshops every 6 weeks until 10pm. Come along and join in the fun, suitable for all ages and abilities. For additional information please call Helen on 07505 877849 or email helen@cardiffdanceacademy.co.uk

• Laughing Course

  Title: Laughing Course
  Venue: Heath Park Citizens Community Hall / Cardiff
  Category: Workshop Events
  Date: Thu (03.05.2012) - Thu (24.05.2012)
  Time: 19.00 h - 20.30 h
  Description: Want to reduce anxiety? Get rid of stress?
  Come and learn
  Laughing For Health
  A Four week course including breathing, relaxation and meditation
  It’s an easy, quick, fun way to de-stress no jokes, no stories, no sense of humour required
  
  £20 for 4 weeks or pay what you can afford
  
  Thursday Evenings 7pm to 8.30pm
  May 12, 19, 26 & June 2nd
  At
  Heath Park Citizens Community Hall CF14 4EP
  
  To book a place contact Carol Young 02920217480 www.stressfreeyoga.co.uk
  Email: carol@stressfreeyoga.co.uk

• Half Term

  When: Mon 21 Feb 2011 to Fri 25 Feb 2011 
  
  Event Status: confirmed

• Summer Fun - Free Play for Cardiff Children!

  Title: Summer Fun - Free Play for Cardiff Children!
  Venue: /
  Category: Workshop Events
  Date: Mon (01.08.2011) - Fri (30.08.2013)
  Time: 08.00 h - 09.00 h
  Description: Children across Cardiff will enjoy free play provision through the medium of Welsh over the summer holiday.
  Menter Caerdydd, a registered charity working towards ensuring a central place for the Welsh language in Cardiff has been allocated funding from Cardiff City Council to develop Free Play opportunities for children through the medium of Welsh during the summer holidays.
  
  A host of free activities for children from reception class to year six can enjoy free play activities including sports, arts and crafts, cookery, face painting, BBQs and a variety other activities during the holiday.
  
  
  There is no need to register before hand - just turn up!
  BWRLWM in FAIRWATER 10.30am - 12.25pm
Ysgol Coed y Gof, Beechley Drive, Pentrebane, Fairwater
  BWRLWM in CAERAU 1.30pm - 3.25pm
Ysgol Nant Caerau, Caerau Lane, Caerau
  BWRLWM in SPLOTT 10.30am - 12.25pm
Ysgol Glan Morfa, Moreland Rd, Splott
  BWRLWM in LLANEDEYRN 1.30pm - 3.25pm
Ysgol y Berllan Deg, Circle Way East, Llanedeyrn
  
  
  For more infomration visit http://www.mentercaerdydd.org or call 02920 689888

• Life Drawing Mondays

  Title: Life Drawing Mondays
  Venue: Milgi Lounge / Cardiff
  Category: Workshop Events
  Date: Mon (24.10.2011) - Mon (22.10.2012)
  Time: 17.30 h - 19.00 h
  Description: LIFE DRAWING MONDAYS
  Every Monday - The Yurt, Milgi Lounge, 213 City Road, Cardiff. 5.30pm - 7.00pm.
  
  GENERAL INFORMATION
  All of the weekly sessions are drop in sketching opportunities often with two models, one male and one female in individual and joint poses. These low cost (just £5.00 as a donation for the models) weekly sessions are surely a must for all local artists. Models rotated week on week and a good way to meet models to discuss private projects. Basic art materials are available at each session. Clients of ours get a 10% discount at Inkspot Arts and Crafts.

• Open Mic

  Title: Open Mic
  Venue: /
  Category: Live Music
  Date: Thu (01.12.2011) - Fri (07.12.2012)
  Time: 20.30 h - 23.00 h
  Description: Kicks off at 8.30pm untill after 11.

• Open

  Title: Open
  Venue: a shot in the dark / Cardiff
  Category: Live Music
  Date: Thu (08.12.2011) - Fri (07.12.2012)
  Time: 20.30 h - 23.00 h
  Description: n an audience, you'd be most welcome.

• TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE - by CHEO

  Title: TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE - by CHEO
  Venue: The SHO Gallery and shop / Cardiff
  Category: Exhibitions
  Date: Fri (20.04.2012) - Sun (20.05.2012)
  Time: 20.30 h - 23.00 h
  Description: Presenting 'TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE'
  A solo show by Bristol graffiti artist and illustrator CHEO
  Exhibiting his latest works, a new series of street art canvas paintings
  
  Opening Preview on Friday 20th April from 6.30pm

• Fashionably Muslim

  Title: Fashionably Muslim
  Venue: BHAC / Cardiff
  Category: Exhibitions
  Date: Sun (22.04.2012) - Sat (13.04.2013)
  Time: 20.30 h - 23.00 h
  Description: